Our Team

Scott VanArendonk

Pastor

Pastor Scott was born and raised in Portage, Michigan. He is married to Sherri, and he’s Dad to Joseph (18), Grace (17), and David (13). Scott is a graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary. His journey in ministry has led him to serve in a variety of roles and locations. He is most passionate about sharing God’s Word, making disciples, and worshiping the Lord. He finds joy and renewal in hunting, hiking, rowing, reading, cooking, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife and kids.

1:20-21

“Philippians” 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Derrin Derrick

Director of Youth Ministries

Derrin has a heart for students, and desires them to know the Lord and grow in their relationships with Him as they navigate life and discover their identity in God. “There is nothing that gives me more satisfaction than witnessing God’s work in the lives of students and parents. I feel privileged to often have a front row seat. ” Derrin attended Hope College and Reformed Bible College. He enjoys spending time with his wife Alishia and their daughter. Derrin also enjoys fly fishing, canoeing, backpacking, hunting, and flying RC aircraft.

2:5

“Philippians” Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Jennifer Darland

Church Secretary

Jennifer has been serving as our church secretary for a little over 2 years now. She grew up in Grand Haven and Jenison and attended Reformed Bible College (now Kuyper College) where she focused on cross-cultural missions and youth ministry. She has worked in Alaska as a camp counselor and Oregon as a campus mentor. She has a heart for people-believing that we can always make time to listen well, encourage many and always be the light of Christ for everyone we meet. When she has the time, she enjoys singing, reading and camping. She is wife of Anthony and lucky Mother to 3 children-Nolan, Evelyn and Faith. Her goal in life is to use the gifts the Lord has given her to glorify His name and bring people a step closer to His love in whatever situation she is placed-even if it is just creating a bulletin and answering the phone!

61:1

“Isaiah” “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.”

Bob Barrett

Worship Leader

Bob has a great love for music. He has been the worship director at Fifth Reformed Church since May of 2014, before that he has played both bass guitar and drums on the praise team since 2003. Bob has a wife Tracey and two children, Haylie and Aiden. Bob loves the time that he can spend with the members of the praise team worshiping God through music, and leading the congregation in sunday services. He says his goal on sunday mornings, is to bring people closer to God through music by having the songs flow without distractions. He also wants to get the children more involved in worship, through which he has a youth worship, inviting all youth to join the praise team for worship every other month or so. Bob also loves playing games, camping and outdoor activities with his family.

53:5

“Isaiah” But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Becky Banninga

Voices Of Praise Director

Ever since she was a young girl, Becky has loved to sing.
As an adult she has been singing in the church choir and for other occasions for many years. Now it is her privilege to lead our church choir, Voices of Praise, as it sings weekly for our Traditional Worship Service. Becky is married to Scott and they have one son. Becky attended Muskegon Community College and works as an insurance agent. In her leisure time, Becky enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, football, baseball and soccer.

3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Laura Ecker

Counselor-in-Residence

Laura has a heart for helping people realize their potential to live fulfilling lives despite past or present circumstances. Her experience includes working with children, teens and adults in the areas of anxiety and stress, depression, healthy relationship boundaries, parenting support, adolescent issues, self-defeating behaviors, college/career direction, abuse, and trauma. A speciality area is grief and loss issues in children. She also leads groups and workshops on various topics throughout the year. She describes being a counselor as “being blessed to have a job I enjoy so much that it never seems like
work. I love joining with people on their journeys of growth and healing. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Laura received her bachelor’s degree at Baker College of Muskegon and her master’s degree in counseling at Western Michigan University. She has two daughters, one who lives in Muskegon and the other attending college in Colorado, and a foster son who recently got married and moved to Japan. In her free time she enjoys music (especially live music), reading, kayaking, hiking, movies (sci-fi is a favorite), spending time with friends, and searching out remarkable coffee experiences.

3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Bob Barrett

Custodian

Bob started working as a custodian at church since 2010, he has a wife Tracey and two children, Haylie and Aiden. His passion is music and he loves to praise God through song. He also loves going on vacation with his family up north.

53:5

“Isaiah” But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Audrey Bates

Custodian

She was marrried to Denny for 46 years and widowed in 2011. They owned and operated Denny’s Studio of Photography since 1977. She continues to do photography and photo restorations as a hobby. She is the mother of three grown children Heath, Kevin and Becky, Grandma to five and Great-Grandma to 4. She has been active around Fifth Church for serveral years, doing crafts with kids at Calvinettes, Vacation Bible School and Family Night.

6:8

“Micah” And what does the Lord require of you? to acted justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you God.

Katrinka Ebeling

Interim DayBreak Coordinator

3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.